Scandinavian Christmas Markets of the Seamen's Churches

Four Seamen's Churches, One Nordic Christmas Weekend

Hamburg is one of Northern Europe's largest port cities – and as early as the 19th century, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish communities founded churches for the sailors of their home countries. Today, four of these seamen's churches are within walking distance of each other, on Ditmar-Koel-Straße, right by the Michel. For two weekends in November, they open their doors and become Scandinavian Christmas markets.

Four Churches, Four Identities

• Swedish Gustav Adolf Church (Ditmar-Koel-Straße 36): Glögg, Lussekatter, Köttbullar, Lucia concert
• Finnish Seamen's Church: Karjalanpiirakat (Karelian pies), Salmiakki specialties, Finnish handicrafts
• Norwegian Sjømannskirken: Vaffler, Lefse, Brunost, Norwegian knitwear
• Danish St. Petri Church: Æbleskiver, Danish Pølser, smørrebrød, Hygge decorations

Atmosphere Instead of Mass Market

Unlike the large Christmas market at City Hall or Santa Pauli on St. Pauli, the Scandinavian Markets are atmospheric, almost intimate. There are no giant rides, no loud sound systems – but candlelight, mulled wine, Lucia choirs, and the typical Nordic pre-Christmas atmosphere. Anyone who has experienced Christmas in Sweden, Finland, Norway, or Denmark will feel right at home here.

Lucia Concerts in December

The highlight is the annual Lucia concert in the Swedish Church: Young Swedish women – the "Queen of Light in White" with a candle crown, followed by a choir – sing classic Swedish Christmas songs. One of Hamburg's most touching Christmas rituals.

In the Hamburg-Mitte District

Ditmar-Koel-Straße is located in Hamburg-Neustadt, just a few minutes from the Michel and the Landungsbrücken piers. St. Michael's Church and the Landungsbrücken are perfect stops to combine with a visit to the Seamen's Churches markets.